Page 3 of Merciless

Rome leans over the desk for a better look at the bird before easing it out of my hands. He strokes his thumb over its stiff wings, each caress more loving than the last.

I can’t look away from his face as he pets the dead bird.

It’s strange to see a man show a softer side for an animal. Every time I come in, I search for clues that it’s all an act. That he’s playing with me and will show his true self. But it never comes. He’s always gentle. Sympathy shines in his kind eyes. He even baby-talks the dead birds.

Rome lifts his head, catching me staring at him like a creep. I snap my gaze to the side and step backward toward the exit.

“Thanks again,” I mumble, and spin on my heel.

“Don’t be a stranger.” His deep voice follows me, a smile hidden in it.

The door slams shut behind me, and I rush to class.

Shane’s goofy laughter floats over the loud music in the arcade, along with the different machine sounds from the games.

“Quit cheating.” I yank the steering wheel to the right.

“I’m not cheating. You’re just a rookie at this one.”

“Am not.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Lights and whistles blare from the game. The word WINNER flashes above Shane’s player name on the screen.

I sigh and drop my hands from the steering wheel. Shane twists his body to look at me, his signature goofy grin in place.

“You can’t beat me at these types of games,” he says with a chuckle.

I turn to him, blank-faced. “I know you cheated, but I just can’t prove it.”

“Someone’s in a mood today.” He snickers with a shake of his head and stands from the plastic seat. “Besides, you were giving it too much gas to drift the corner. You’ve got to slow down and go with the turn.”

“Derrick and his friends killed another bird today. So yeah, you could say I’m in a mood.” I follow him.

Shane stops and turns to me, his light-blond eyebrows slashed together. “They’ve killed other birds?”

“Yes, I’ve told you that.”

“You told me you found dead birds and took them to the aviary to be laid to rest. You left out what happened or who killed them.” He blows out a frustrated breath and pushes his naturally red hair from his forehead. “Fucking Derrick and his bullshit.”

I nod. I’m tired of Derrick being cruel to animals. If he wants to make me suffer, do it another way. Don’t bring animals into it. That’s one step away from being a serial killer, in my opinion.

Tension bleeds from Shane’s shoulders, and he flashes a mischievous smile. “Did you see your man at the building today?”

A blush crawls up my neck, and I duck past him.

“You did.” Shane’s laughter follows me. “Why don’t you ask him on a date?”

“I don’t date.”

“Why?”

“Because men are fickle.” I stop at the claw game and fish for tokens in my skirt pocket.

“Some men can be fickle. Not all of us are, though. I think you should give it a shot.” Shane slips a token into the machine.

“I’m not going on any dates with anyone whatsoever because men are ass-butts.” I grab the knob and move the claw over the purple-and-black stuffed bat I’ve had my eye on for the past week.